September Birthstone Baubles

Senior Editor Brecken Branstrator rounds up 10 pieces of jewelry set with sapphires, a gemstone that’s been selling very well lately.

Brecken Branstrator brecken.branstrator@nationaljeweler.com

The birthstone for the month of September is the sapphire, a gem that comes in a variety of colors, a few of which are seen in these Beth Miller earrings.

I know that sapphires are hardly an obscure, up-and-coming gemstone but even so, I feel like I’ve been hearing a lot about the gem for a while now.

Every time within the past year that I’ve been at a show or working on a story that involves talking to dealers and suppliers about which gemstones have been selling well, sapphire was sure to get a mention.

And not just the classic blues, which of course continue to top many best-seller lists, but also the fancy-colored sapphires--the pinks, lavenders and peaches especially that offer great colors and appeal to the Rose Quartz/pastel gem trend.

It’s amazing to see a stone that’s been worn for thousands of years to have something of a resurgence.

Sapphires always have had a prominent place in history. Medieval clergy wore the gems to symbolize heaven, while commoners thought that they might attract “heavenly blessings,” according to the American Gem Society.

The lore swirling around the stones today says that they can be used to protect loved ones from envy and harm, or even to encourage loyalty.

Here are 10 pieces of jewelry to showcase the month’s birthstone.

Katherine Bowman’s sterling silver and sapphire “Naming” ring ($660)

These M. Spalten “Starburst” stud earrings feature 0.40 carats of princess-cut yellow sapphires and 0.04 carats of diamonds set in 18-karat gold ($1,240).

Monica Rich Kosann’s 18-karat white gold “Carpe Diem” poesy bracelet features sapphires on one side and a “carpe diem” inscription on the reverse side ($1,595).

Stuller’s 14-karat white gold sapphire and diamond Clover earrings ($1,917)

Beth Miller’s multi-colored sapphire and pave diamond studs in oxidized sterling silver and 14-karat yellow gold ($2,795)

Bario Neal’s hexagonal cluster ring in 14-karat gold with Montana sapphires ($2,837)

Adel Chefridi’s mixed halo ring features a purple sapphire at center with diamond accents, made in 18-karat yellow gold ($3,750)

This is Gurhan’s 24-karat gold “Amulet Hue” pendant necklace with faceted and cabochon blue sapphires in a variety of shapes and sizes ($6,950).

This “tag” from R.Y.M. Jewelry’s Portmanteau collection is designed to be worn many ways: as a ring, earring, pendant, choker or on a bracelet. It is shown here in 18-karat yellow gold with blue and pink sapphires and white diamond pavé ($8,250) on an 18-karat yellow gold and diamond bangle ($5,575).

From Sutra’s Fan collection, these earrings feature 10 carats of sapphires and 2.5 carats of diamonds made in 18-karat white gold ($18,000).

Banner will be right here …

Brecken Branstratoris the senior editor, gemstones at National Jeweler, covering sourcing, pricing and other developments in the colored stone sector.